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High Country Inn
 HIGH COUNTRY INN
Bldg 5218 Phone (719)
333-4730, DSN 333-4730
POW-MIA Remembrance
Photo:
A POW-MIA Remembrance has been added to the High Country Inn Airman's
Dining Hall. The display is prominent on the north side of the new
fireplace in the center of the dining room. Photo by James Lovely The following information describes
the significance of each piece of the new Prisoner of War-Missing in
Action Remembrance at the High Country Inn: This table set for one
is small – symbolizing
the frailty of one prisoner alone against his oppressors. Remember! The tablecloth is white – symbolizing
the purity of their intentions to respond to their country's call to
arms. Remember! The single red rose
displayed in a vase reminds us of the families and loved ones of our
comrades-in-arms who keep the faith awaiting
their
return. Remember! The red ribbon
tied so prominently on the vase is reminiscent of the red ribbon worn
upon the lapel and breasts of thousands who
bear witness
to their unyielding determination to demand a proper accounting
of our missing. Remember! The candle, the candle
is unlit – symbolizing the upward reach
of their unconquerable spirit. Remember! A slice of lemon is
on the bread plate to remind us of their bitter fate. Remember! There is salt upon
the bread plate – symbolic of the families tears
as they wait. Remember! The glass is inverted – they
cannot toast with us this night. Remember! The chair – the
chair is empty. They are not here. Remember! Remember! All of you
who served with them and called them
comrades, who depended upon their might and aid, and
relied upon them,
for surely, they have not forsaken you. Remember! Remember! Until the
day they come home. Remember! The Chair The tilted chair displayed
at the POW-MIA Remembrance in the High Country Inn Airman's Dining
Hall represents the
American military members who are designated Prisoners of War/Missing
in Action. It is distinctive because
it is the only remaining chair from the original chairs used by the
first cadet wing, Class of 1959. It was used by that
class of 306 cadets in their temporary dining facility at Lowry Air
Force Base. When the wing was moved
to the Academy, the chairs and tables used by the cadets at Lowry were
transferred to the new Preparatory School/Airman's
Dining Hall located at the academy's Community Center. These chairs were used
until 1993, when the dining room furniture was upgraded. One chair
was left behind and will have the honor of
representing
the seat reserved for the military members who are still missing
in action. |
